[Guide] How to force install the latest OTA system update on any Android device

Google is very consistent at keeping their Android operating system up to date by releasing updates on a six-month schedule. Since there are several devices and manufacturers with many skinned versions of the operating system available, there is almost always a variant of Android being updated somewhere.

How do we know when the update is available for our devices? Well the easy way is to head over to Settings > About > System Update on your device and check from time to time. You can also follow blogs like ours to stay up to date on updates (excuse the pun). But there is another method which will force your device to download any available update immediately.

Unlike with Apple which makes its iOS updates available to all its devices at the same time, Android updates go through the meticulous process regional testing before an update is available to the users. There is also the manufacturer customization which takes months to implement, leaving users will outdated versions of Android.

But even when the update is available the roll out process can take weeks before it reaches your device. After trying the usual Settings > About > System Update method

• Head over to Settings > Apps
• Enable the option to view all apps
• Scroll down the list and find and open Google Services Framework
• Click on Clear Data and then Force Stop
• Once again head over to Settings > About > System Update
• You would see a very old date and the system will check for an update yet again.

This method has not always proven successful and users have reported that it sometimes takes more than one attempt at clicking on Clear Data and then Force Stop for the update to appear.

The Samsung Galaxy S III which is currently receiving Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, may be a great device to try this out on. Let us know if the process is successful for you.